November is almost here, and with it comes the start of a busy and wonderful time of year.

Friends and neighbors who spent the summer up north are returning, calendars are filling with opportunities to gather and reconnect, and the season of philanthropy is getting underway. Thankfully, as our schedules heat up, the temperatures are beginning to cool. It’s a time when our community comes together, and I always look forward to it. 

At Caring Collective, community exists at the heart of all we do.💙

The Little Library That Could

‘Take a book. Leave a book. Build a community.’ Books bring people together. They inspire connection and creativity. They broaden understanding and create awareness. In that spirit, last month Caring Collective proudly unveiled our new Little Free Library on the Glasser/Schoenbaum Campus of Caring with books for children and adults in English and Spanish.

Campus Security Enhancements: Phase I Now Completed!

The safety and security of the thousands of people who visit and work on our 5-acre, 14-building campus each year represents our top priority. Made 100% possible by philanthropy, we recently completed a ten-month initiative to update outdated technology, integrate a new cloud-based system, and replace key components (cameras and locksets). Based on feedback provided by several campus agencies, enhanced security may encourage some to offer client programs after-hours, thereby enhancing client impact. With Phase I completed in September 2026, we have begun to plan for Phase II.

We thank our supporters, including the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, for their generosity that made this important project a reality.

Community Benefits Specialist Program Achieves Impact Milestones

As Helen’s* Alzheimer’s Disease progressed, her husband feared he could no longer provide the care she needed without risking his own health and breaking his promise to her to never place her in a nursing home. We guided him through the complex Medicaid application process. Today, Helen receives care at home, her husband has kept his promise, and she remains in the place she calls home, with dignity.

A pregnant teenager, Anna*, became estranged from family and needed Medicaid and SNAP benefits to receive prenatal medical care and proper nutrition. Caring Collective worked with Anna to navigate many complex steps, resulting in her successfully receiving them before her baby’s arrival.

💙 Nonprofits for Stronger Communities not only defines Caring Collective’s core identity. With purpose, passion, and excellence, Christina Russi exemplifies this value in her multi-faceted role as our Community Fiscal Agent and Liaison. In a recent reporting period, her leadership resulted in the disbursement of over $2.2 million in emergency assistance to 1,717 families.

☀️Chris’ respect in our community? A nonprofit partner recently remarked that she ‘has a post-it on her phone with Chris’ phone number for easy reference.’ 

Campus Community Building: 
Connection & Learning Program

Because clients and their families often need more than one service, we encourage our campus agencies to build relationships, make referrals, and collaborate to better meet those needs. Our Connection & Learning Program, generously sponsored by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, helps make those connections possible while providing opportunities for campus staff to build relationships and strengthen their skills. Through the program, we offer free monthly workshops, presentations, and gatherings for leaders and staff on the campus and beyond.

➡️For more information, contact Rachel Denton at rdenton@caring-collective.org.

📆See ‘Mark Your Calendars!’ below for our upcoming schedule.

✔️Corporate. Nonprofit. Government. STAR Student Representative.

✔️Working and Happily Retired.

✔️Financial, Operational, Programmatic, and Leadership Expertise.

Our Board of Director leaders offer diverse talents, experiences, and backgrounds. This translates to outstanding leadership of our organization. We appreciate and thank them for their service.

Team Updates

Rachel Denton filled our newly created role as Development & Engagement Coordinator, with diverse marketing, donor engagement, administrative, and event responsibilities.

Steve Finehout received a promotion to Facilities Manager. What doesn’t Steve do on our campus to create a safe and attractive place for people to work and visit?!?

Odalis Higuera, our Program & Administrative Associate, handles a wide variety of administrative, technology, operations, and translation (Spanish) duties - and recently celebrated her one-year anniversary with Caring Collective!



Talvick (Vick) Morton joined our Facilities Staff and works side-by-side with Steve to maintain our 5-acre, 14-building campus.